Comparison of treatment with two different doses of leukocyte interferon alpha in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Laghi, V.; Toccaceli, F.; Rosati, S.; Monini, A.; Grimaldi, M.; Foglianti, G.; Canova, N.; Palazzini, E.
Hepato-Gastroenterology 44(16): 1182-1186
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0172-6390 PMID: 9261621 Document Number: 477964
Background/Aims: This study was carried in order to investigate whether human leukocyte interferon-alpha administered for 12 months at two different dosages, improves long-term responses in chronic hepatitis C and to see whether pre-treatment gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase values help to predict the clinical response to Interferon. Methodology: Forty-five patients were treated for 12 months with natural Interferon-alpha: 3 MU (group A: 31 cases); 6 MU (group B: 14 cases). Biochemical and virological responses were monitored during treatment and follow-up. Results: Alanine aminotransferase was normalized in 58.1% (Group A) and 54.5% (Group B) of patients by the end of the treatment. Due to side effects 3 patients had to discontinue treatment. During follow-up, remission was maintained in 30.8% and 45.4% of patients respectively (p=0.046). After 12 months of therapy, respectively 46.7% and 45.4% of patients with complete biochemical response, cleared virus from serum, as did, among long-term responders, 318 and 314 evaluated patients. Independently of dosage, a complete response was found more often in patients with normal pre-treatment gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase than in those with pre-treatment abnormal values. Conclusions. High dosage of IFN-alpha was associated with a significantly greater rate of sustained biochemical response and with a better chance of viremia becoming negative. Pre-treatment gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase was able to predict the outcome of the treatment.